While most Packers fans were watching their Friday preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals to see Jordan Love, undrafted rookie running back Emanuel Wilson stole the show.
Wilson ran for 111 yards and scored two touchdowns in Green Bay’s 36-19 win over the Bengals. But the game meant more to him than just his performance.
Wilson explained after the game that Thursday marked the 14-year anniversary of his father passing away. He said that he was determined to play great in order to honor his late father.
“Throughout the whole week, I was really like, ‘Dang, I’m really playing on the day my dad died.’ It’s also a blessing to go out there and do what I need to do,” Wilson said.
Pretty amazing moment for #Packers undrafted Rookie RB Emanuel Wilson. It was the 14th anniversary of his father’s passing yesterday, and he ran for 111, scoring 2 TDs ❤🙏
Wilson said: “Throughout the whole week, I was really like, ‘Dang, I’m really playing on the day my dad… pic.twitter.com/UKQQ5cGC0X
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 12, 2023
Emanuel Wilson had an uphill battle just to make it to Packers training camp as an undrafted free agent. He played at Fort Valley State in Division II, where he rushed for 2,206 yards and 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Wilson didn’t get so much as a Combine invitation and was seen as a fringe prospect to make it to a practice squad.
But with a performance like that, Wilson might have at least secured himself a spot on an NFL team, even if it’s not with the Packers specifically.